Black Girls Code has welcomed Cristina Jones as its new CEO. According to a press release, Jones previously worked as Chief Engagement Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Salesforce.org. The tech company is thrilled to have Jones on board as she brings decades of leadership and storytelling. Her interest in creating pathways for women of color to be in tech has become a pipeline of innovative approaches that will help women gain careers in tech.
“I’m elated to join this global community at this pivotal moment,” Jones said. “An entire demographic has been missing from tech, and it’s time to advantage and embolden these future leaders to enter and thrive wherever this innovation is happening. We’re accelerating our mission to place one million girls of color in tech by 2040.”
Jones will work to expand Black Girls Code’s vision of its curriculum and increase the age limit to highlight the emphasis on “workforce development. During this time, Jones will also focus on brand partnerships that will assist women and young girls of color to access career opportunities.
Former Board Chair Heather Hiles said Jones was the perfect candidate for Black Girls Code’s future endeavors. Jones will replace the tech company’s former CEO Kimberly Bryant. The multimillion-dollar nonprofit was founded in 2011 by Bryant to address the lack of Black representation in STEM and Tech, according to NBC News.
“We met with tens of stellar, extraordinary candidates for this position,” Hiles said. “Cristina is the perfect blend of an accomplished executive in tech with a creative, visionary, entrepreneurial spirit. She is the perfect fit for the new CEO of Black Girls Code.”
